•December 13, 2023•
The Hour House has announced its commitment as a participant of the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. Read More
•December 13, 2023•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension
I would like to share this article written by Illinois Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley in the latest Family Files blog. Tessa says: The American Psychological Association has conducted a nationwide survey in its Mind/Body campaign since 2007. The focus is to examine the state of stress nationwide and understand its impact. The study in 2023 indicated that 55% of Americans are stressed during the day. Managing stress can help emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally. Sometimes, the holiday season adds a little extra stress because we might have to pay attention to more responsibilities, such as seasonal deadlines, packed schedules, dreading specific functions, and extra financial burdens. Michelle Grocke, Ph.D. Health & Wellness Specialist MSU talks about positive ways to manage stress. Here are a few coping strategies to get you started: Read More
Dear Editor,
I am writing to shed light on the invaluable work carried out by the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) and to call upon the generosity of our community.
For decades, SAMA has been a beacon of hope for those facing adversity in Moultrie County. The scope of their assistance is vast, covering essential needs such as utilities, rent, automotive support, hotel stays, food, fuel, and even Christmas Certificates. It’s heartening to know that, over a 12-month period, SAMA distributes substantial funds to support thousands of individuals within our community.
This year, one noteworthy project helped by SAMA was the provision of school supply boxes to 124 students in Sullivan. Such initiatives showcase the association’s commitment to addressing various facets of need, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a better life. Read More
•December 13, 2023•
I know that all of us have done or said something that continues to embarrass us decades later.
I can safely say this, because no one younger than a couple decades old regularly reads this column. Hey, they don’t know what they’re missing.
I remember misspelling “cauldron” in a spelling bee. Yes, “cauldron.” This must have been in the 1990s, before I adopted this persona.
A “chaldron” — the spelling I offered — in days when coal was the gold standard for clean power, was a measure of it.
I was dinged because that spelling had long gone by the boards even in the 1990s. I must have read the old spelling in a Charles Dickens novel and it lodged in my hippocampus. Read More
2013
Lovington Grade School teacher Debbie Long had her annual Christmas Tea Sunday at her home in Sullivan for her students. That year marked Long’s last teaching year ending her holiday tradition.
Okaw Valley third graders Abby Luckenbill and Lexie Bartimus organized their entire school to collect toys and canned goods for local families. Students brought a toy or canned food item to gain admission to a dance. The school managed to pool around 55 toys and 10 cases of food.
Dr. Quintin Murray took over the chiropractic office formerly Dr. Kellerman’s in Sullivan. Read More
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Dec. 11 - Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, Corn , Fruit, Bun
Dec. 12 - Chicken Pot Pie Broccoli, Rosy Applesauce, Biscuit, Homemade Dessert
Dec. 13 - Marinated Pork Loin, Scandinavian Blend Veggies, Spiced Apples, Broccoli Salad, Bread or Roll
Dec. 14 - Lasagna, Green Beans, Romaine Salad, Berry Crisp
Dec. 15 - Ham, Frosted Sweet Potatoes, Peas and Pearl Onions, Pistachio Salad, Roll
Dec. 18 - Cheeseburger Soup, Pasta Salad, Tropical Fruit Mix, Roll, Pudding Cup
Dec. 19 - Turkey w/Gravy, Dressing, Green Bean Casserole, Scalloped Apples and Cranberries, Fruit Dessert
Dec. 20 - Goulash, Broccoli, Buttered Hominy, Romaine Salad
Dec. 21 - Fried Chicken, Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Hot Greens, Mandarin Oranges, Bread or Roll
Dec. 22 - Liver and Onions, Au Gratin Potatoes, Peas, Fruit, Bread or Roll
•December 6, 2023•
How do people learn good grammar? Likely the same way people learn to be good spellers.
I just read a piece in The Washington Post by ninth-grader Dev Shah of Largo, Florida, in which he talks about how he managed to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee this year.
In his essay, Dev writes about how reading dictionaries is one way to win, but with more than a half-million words to memorize, intuition is key.
He didn’t expect to win, the contest. He failed to qualify last year and has lost more than two dozen bees in six years.
But he knew this year was his final shot, because he’d age out of the competition.
Of the millions of competitive child spellers out there, just 200 make it to the national bee.
Looking for patterns in pronunciations is key, he says: Read More
2013
Windsor Jr/Sr High School student council held a fundraising drive to collect money to collect money to be sent to those impacted by tornadoes in Washington. Students sold links for a giving chain for $1 per link. Anyone who donated had their name added to a link that was then put onto the chain. The chain was then hung up in the school so that the students could watch as it grew each day. The WHS student council was able to buy $466 in donations for Secret Santa gifts that were sent to families in Washington.
Moultrie County had a new pet grooming business, Lucky Dog Pet Grooming, opened by Carrie Simmons. The business was located between Sullivan and Bethany. Read More
•December 6, 2023•
Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera and Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) Executive Director Chris Meister issued nearly $7.2 million in no interest or low interest loans to emergency responders across the state. The loans are made available through the Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program.
Sullivan Fire Protection District is a recipient of a $350,000 fire truck revolving grant.
“Our emergency responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they need safe and reliable vehicles to get the job done,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why I’m proud that my administration is ensuring that fire departments across the state can purchase the fire trucks and ambulance they need to save lives.” Read More
2013
The Sullivan AmBuCs chapter provided a bike for 12 year old Zoe Powell who dreamed of being able to ride a bike but was born with a condition that a traditional bike would not be an option for her. AmTrykes can be operated via hand or food pedal to accommodate different needs.
The Lovington Girl Scout Troop 3009 conducted their annual food drive collecting more than 500 pounds of nonperishable food and paper goods for Lovington’s Christ Pantry which supplies food to those in need not only in Lovington but in surrounding communities.
One Book One Sullivan announced their book choice for the community to be “Lions of Little Rock.” Read More